At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain critical Windows infrastructure and VDI environments for UK Defence.
- Company: Join Thorn SDS, a leading Managed Service Provider in Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' leave, pension contributions, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a secure environment with excellent growth potential and collaborative teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and VDI technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 50310 - 61490 £ per year.
Windows Server | Active Directory | Citrix | VMware Horizon | SQL Server | Group Policy | Defence | ITIL
Help deliver the infrastructure behind the UK's critical defence operations.
Are you an experienced
Infrastructure Engineer with expertise in Windows Server and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?
We're looking for a
Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) to join a nationally significant UK Defence programme, supporting the Windows infrastructure and virtual desktop environments that enable critical operational capabilities across the UK and overseas.
If you enjoy solving complex infrastructure challenges, working with enterprise-scale Microsoft technologies and supporting systems where resilience and security are paramount, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact while developing your career in one of the UK's most advanced secure IT environments.
About Thorn SDS
Thorn SDS is a specialist Managed Service Provider headquartered in Alton, Hampshire.
We partner with organisations across the Space, Defence and Security sectors, connecting exceptional technical professionals with some of the UK's most challenging and rewarding programmes.
About the Programme
You'll be joining a major transformation programme modernising the Ministry of Defence's deployable IT capability.
The programme is replacing legacy communication and information systems with modern, resilient and secure platforms.
As part of the Through Life Support (TLS) team, you'll help ensure these critical services remain secure, available and fully operational throughout their lifecycle.
The Role
As a
Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) , you'll provide advanced 2nd and 3rd line support across enterprise Windows infrastructure and Virtual Desktop environments that underpin mission-critical defence systems.
Working within the Service Operations and Resolver Group teams, you'll investigate complex incidents, maintain critical Microsoft platforms and collaborate with infrastructure, networking and application specialists to ensure services remain resilient, secure and highly available.
Please note: This role focuses exclusively on Microsoft Windows infrastructure and VDI technologies. Linux administration is not part of this position.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting, maintaining and troubleshooting enterprise Windows Server environments (2016, 2019 and 2022).
- Administering Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP and core Microsoft infrastructure services.
- Managing Microsoft SQL Server environments.
- Providing advanced 2nd and 3rd line support across Windows infrastructure and VDI platforms.
- Supporting and maintaining Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops and/or VMware Horizon environments.
- Deploying operating system updates, security patches and infrastructure improvements.
- Monitoring infrastructure health, performance and capacity to ensure maximum availability.
- Investigating complex technical issues and carrying out root cause analysis.
- Supporting ITIL-aligned incident, problem and change management processes.
- Working collaboratively with networking, application and service teams to improve platform resilience and performance.
- Producing and maintaining technical documentation, knowledge articles and operational procedures.
What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Infrastructure Engineer who enjoys working in secure, enterprise-scale environments and solving complex technical challenges.
You'll ideally have experience with
- Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022 administration.
- Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and DHCP.
- Microsoft SQL Server.
- Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops and/or VMware Horizon.
- Enterprise Windows infrastructure support.
- ITIL service management processes.
- Network fundamentals and Windows application support.
- Performance tuning, patch management and infrastructure optimisation.
- Secure, regulated or defence environments (highly desirable).
You'll also have excellent analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills and be comfortable working full-time onsite in Corsham.
What's In It For You?
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll receive
- 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Group Life Insurance.
- Dental & Health Cashback Plan.
- Wellbeing services including GP access, physiotherapy and lifestyle savings.
- Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Supported training, certifications and professional development.
- The opportunity to work on one of the UK's most significant defence technology programmes.
- Exposure to enterprise-scale Microsoft infrastructure within a highly secure environment.
- The chance to collaborate with experienced engineers on technically complex projects that have a genuine operational impact.
- Security Requirements
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and either already hold, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of UK National Security Clearance.
Please note that, due to the nature of our work, nationality, previous nationalities and country of birth may affect eligibility for certain security-cleared positions.
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Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham employer: Thorn SDS Ltd
Thorn SDS Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Corsham, Hampshire, where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive support for professional growth, alongside a commitment to maintaining system reliability in mission-critical applications. With a focus on teamwork and a culture that values expertise, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to vital defence projects while advancing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Thorn SDS Ltd or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Thorn SDS Ltd that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Windows & VDI) in Corsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Thorn SDS Ltd.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Thorn SDS Ltd and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn SDS Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Thorn SDS Ltd uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
